Gaultheria erecta

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Brossaea odorata
• Brossaea vestita
• Brossaea hirtiflora
• Brossaea loxensis
• Gaultheria vegasana
• Gaultheria vestita
• Gaultheria weberbaueriana
• Gaultheria hartwegiana
• Gaultheria hidalgensis
• Gaultheria hirtiflora
• Gaultheria lancifolia
• Gaultheria lancifolia var. dulcis
• Gaultheria lepida
• Gaultheria pennellii
• Brossaea erecta
• Gaultheria donnellii
• Gaultheria cordifrons
• Gaultheria costaricensis
• Gaultheria conzattii
• Gaultheria conzattii var. mijorum
• Gaultheria cordata
• Gaultheria cumingii
• Gaultheria jelskii
• Gaultheria formosa
• Gaultheria fendleri
• Gaultheria glandulosissima
• Gaultheria glandulifera
• Gaultheria apiculata
• Gaultheria antioquiensis
• Gaultheria tacanensis
• Gaultheria subrotunda
• Gaultheria trichocalycina
• Gaultheria tatei
• Gaultheria tetriches
• Gaultheria longiflora
• Gaultheria longipes
• Gaultheria loxensis
• Gaultheria meridensis
• Gaultheria montana
• Gaultheria ornata
• Gaultheria odorata
• Gaultheria odorata var. costaricensis
• Gaultheria odorata var. leiocalyx
• Gaultheria odorata var. mexicana
• Gaultheria opaca
• Gaultheria roraimae
• Gaultheria saltensis
• Gaultheria scabra
• Gaultheria schiedeana
• Gaultheria regia
• Gaultheria parvifolia
• Gaultheria poasana
• Brossaea formosa
• Brossaea roraimae
• Brossaea bracteata var. odorata
• Brossaea bracteata var. cordifolia
• Brossaea trichocalycina
• Brossaea scabra

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, known scientifically as Gaultheria erecta, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. It is classified within the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae, falling under the order Ericales. Finally, it is a member of the family Ericaceae within the genus Gaultheria.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide-reaching presence across the diverse landscapes of Mexico. Its distribution can be found extensively throughout the central regions of Mexico Central. Furthermore, it occupies significant territories within Mexico Northeast and the coastal areas of Mexico Gulf. The species also stretches across the arid environments of Mexico Northwest. Finally, its range extends into the southern reaches of Mexico Southwest.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Gaultheria erecta is characterized by its specialized presence in high-altitude ecosystems, specifically within the Campo de Altitude, Campo Rupestre, and vegetation growing over rocky outcrops (Vegetação Sobre Afloramentos Rochosos). This species thrives across a broad altitudinal gradient, with an elevational range that begins at 1000 m AMSL and reaches a maximum of 3700 m AMSL. On average, the plant is found at a mean elevation of 1500 m AMSL, reflecting its adaptation to the unique microclimates and soil conditions typical of these rupestrian landscapes.

Elevational range max:

3700 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

1500 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

1000 m AMSL

Habitat :

Campo de Altitude, Campo Rupestre, Vegetação Sobre Afloramentos Rochosos

Life history

The life history of Gaultheria erecta is characterized by its status as a perennial, allowing the plant to persist through multiple growing seasons. As a long-lived species, it establishes a stable presence within its habitat, often forming low-growing mats or clusters that contribute to the ground cover of its ecosystem. This perennial nature enables the plant to undergo seasonal cycles of vegetative growth and reproductive phases, ensuring long-term survival and continuous presence in its native environment.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Gaultheria erecta is characterized by its growth form as a low-growing, woody shrub that functions as a self-supporting plant. It is a terrestrial species, meaning it grows in soil rather than as an aquatic, semiaquatic, or epiphytic organism, and it maintains an independent existence without acting as a parasite. Unlike climbers, vines, or lianas, this plant does not require external support for its structure, instead relying on its woody stems to maintain a compact, shrubby habit.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Gaultheria erecta is characterized by a metabolic framework that relies on the C3 photosynthetic pathway, a strategy typical of many woody perennials inhabiting temperate and montane environments. In this pathway, the initial fixation of atmospheric carbon dioxide is catalyzed by the enzyme Rubisco, resulting in the formation of a three-carbon compound, 3-phosphoglycerate. This metabolic process is highly efficient under the shaded, moist, and cool conditions of its natural habitat, where it optimizes light interception and moisture retention. The plant's physiological regulation involves managing gas exchange and transpiration rates to balance carbon gain with water loss, ensuring metabolic stability within its ecological niche.

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Activities

Gaultheria erecta has 1 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimicrobial.

Antimicrobial

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Preparations

Gaultheria erecta has 1 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include Plant extracts.

Plant extracts

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)